Interpol Defer Fifa Programme Amid Corruption Scandal

Interpol has suspended its cooperation with Fifa in the fight against match-fixing over allegation of corruption against the football governing body.

The international police agency plans to put on hold the €20 million (£14m) donated by Fifa in 2011 for the “Integrity in Sport” programme. The 10-year agreement was intended to combat match-fixing and illegal gambling.

“In light of the current context surrounding FIFA, while INTERPOL is still committed to developing our Integrity in Sport programme, I have decided to suspend the agreement,” Secretary General Jurgen Stock said in a statement.

Stock added: “All external partners, whether public or private, must share the fundamental values and principles of the Organization, as well as those of the wider law enforcement community.”

Authorities in the U.S. and Switzerland are currently investigating FIFA over allegations of corruption.

The FIFA World Cup Shielded Within the Premise of the FIFA Headquarter in Zurich. Image.
The FIFA World Cup Shielded Within the Premise of the FIFA Headquarter in Zurich. Image.

Fifa has in a separate statement said it is “disappointed” by the decision.

“This successful programme is unrelated to the current issues surrounding Fifa and we believe that this unilateral decision will negatively impact the fight against criminal activities, a goal of which no supporter of the sport can be in favour,” the football governing body said.

In the meantime, six men with ties to world football’s governing body have been flagged on Interpol’s ‘Red Notice,’ including two former Fifa executives.